Foreign workers dash to get jobs

EU workers are rushing to get jobs in the UK ahead of a Brexit and benefits clampdown, figures show.

Thousands more Europeans took to the internet to find work in the UK in the days after David Cameron announced that the in- out vote would take place on June 23.

Experts say that the threat of a clampdown on foreign workers and migrants’ benefits after a Brexit could be a major factor behind the surge.

Getting into Britain before it quits the EU could mean they will not be affected by any changes.

In the seven days from February 12 – the week before the Prime Minister confirmed the referendum date – 30,396 EU citizens logged on to CV- Library the UK’s largest jobs website.

But the week after, a record 34,163 European workers visited the site, an increase of more than 12 per cent.

The biggest rise following the referendum announcement was from those in Belgium with a 109 per cent increase, followed by Croatians, up 70 per cent, and Greeks, up 63 per cent.

Lee Biggins, managing director of CV- Library, said: “Britons have concerns about how a Brexit will impact on our nation, but this suggests that those in other European countries are worried as well. It’s not surprising to see Europeans explore their options in the UK.”